12 years ago today...

...at a puppy mill, somewhere in East Chicago, Indiana...a tiny chihuahua mix puppy popped out of her poor mother's belly...eventually she ended up at a pet shop where she lived in a cage of wire and plastic for several months, until she was sold cheap...to us...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CECE!

Jackson, California

As we rolled into Jackson, CA just as the sun was starting to set, we saw a beautiful church in the distance. As we approached we noticed the adjacent graveyard and cemetery. The light was perfect, so we had to stop.

The Cellar Door

Last weekend we went down to Shenandoah Valley again for some more
wine and PERFECT weather. Pics by me and her.

Como

Now that my Trooper is done, I have made promise to self, to get out more. The weather was exceptional this past weekend, so we took a day trip out to the Como Mine Site south of Dayton.  This area was actually really nice.  Lots of trails and old mining encampments.  We had a good amount of rain the weekend prior, so everything was still moist, and standing water persisted in a  few mud holes along the path.

The Trooper stands mighty.

2015 is here...

The avalanche effect of time's passing is in full swing. It is now 2015.

What will the year hold for us?  Only time will tell.

This year I want to simplify, reduce, reuse, and cut down, in order to reach larger goals.
For starters, my vehicular foot print must be reduced, so I bid farewell to an 80's legend.

U wan go beach?

Doggies love the beach.

Without fail, everytime we go anywhere with sand or loose dirt, Luigi immediately starts rolling.

Flora & Fauna

Coastal California, for me, is a place of wonder. The woods here are prehistoric and full of so much exciting micro-life, especially after dark.  You merely need to break out a good flashlight, squat down, and scan the forest floor.  You will see neat stuff.  For me, of particular interest, are salamanders. In my opinion, these mysterious and private little amphibians are woodland prizes, and any time you can find one, you should feel lucky.

If I lived in this area, I would definitely familiarize myself with the vast array of different mushrooms that grow here. There are so many varieties, and I want to know which ones are good to eat. I do know that most of them are not.